‘Thunderbolts’ Robbed Fans of an Incredible Winter Soldier Moment (Photos)

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Recently released concept art for the upcoming *Thunderbolts* movie revealed a missed opportunity for a powerful moment with the Winter Soldier. Sebastian Stan reprises his role as Bucky Barnes in the 2025 Marvel film, joining a new team – the Thunderbolts. While he returns with his familiar leather jacket and vibranium arm, early designs suggested a drastically different look that ultimately wasn’t used.

An artbook for the upcoming *Thunderbolts* movie revealed early plans to revisit Bucky Barnes’ iconic Winter Soldier appearance in the 2025 film. Although other Marvel characters have used classic designs in recent years, Bucky hasn’t worn the Winter Soldier armor since the 2014 movie *Captain America: The Winter Soldier*.

The recently released concept art suggests that the Winter Soldier’s costume was considered for the *Thunderbolts* movie at one point.

The hints about a black mask led to its inclusion in Bucky’s appearance in the film, a look he hadn’t used since his time as the Winter Soldier.

The masks used during filming were combined with the character’s sleek, simple leather jacket to create their final on-screen appearance.

The art book showed several versions of the Winter Soldier’s mask. Some designs included goggles, similar to the original costume, while others featured a respirator that covered the nose and mouth.

An extra costume idea delved deeper into the character’s secret past, showing them in a completely black outfit.

This would have offered fans a satisfying moment for the Winter Soldier, letting Sebastian Stan’s character finally have a positive spotlight while wearing at least some version of the costume he once hated.

The Winter Soldier first appeared in the 2014 *Captain America* film, and that’s where he got his name. He made a striking entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a tactical vest, a dark mask, and goggles, and recent *Thunderbolts* concepts seem to be inspired by this look.

You can now watch *Thunderbolts* on Disney+. This action-packed Marvel movie, directed by Jake Schreier, centers around a team of unconventional heroes – including Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) – who were considered disposable by the government. While it didn’t perform well in theaters, *Thunderbolts* is now proving popular with viewers on Disney+.

Will We Ever See the OG Winter Soldier Again in the MCU?

As a big MCU fan, I was really excited to see these early *Thunderbolts* designs. They’re honestly the closest we’ve gotten to seeing that classic Winter Soldier look return to the screen – it’s a really cool throwback!

As a huge Marvel fan, I’ve noticed Bucky Barnes hasn’t used the Winter Soldier persona – that mask and everything – since he finally broke free from HYDRA’s control and joined the Avengers. It really feels like he’s intentionally moved on from that dark chapter of his life and wants to leave it behind him, which I totally get.

Bucky’s decision is understandable. After losing his memory and being responsible for many deaths, and being labeled a war criminal, it’s natural he’d want a fresh start.

What could be a more satisfying way for the character to make amends than by fully accepting his past – even his ‘villainous’ side – and showcasing it with a fresh look?

Fans have been speculating about new costumes for some characters in the next *Avengers: Doomsday* movie, and this could be where we finally see the Winter Soldier get a big character moment that fans have been hoping for.

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2025-10-12 08:05